Garnett leads Timberwolves to third straight overtime win

Jan 8, 2007 - 1:44 AM
MINNEAPOLIS (Ticker) -- Kevin Garnett and the Minnesota
Timberwolves aren't ready to stop playing at the end of
regulation.

Garnett scored 26 points and grabbed 13 rebounds as the
Timberwolves posted a 103-99 overtime victory over the Houston
Rockets.

Mark Blount had 21 points and 10 rebounds and Trenton Hassell
added 14 and six for Minnesota, which has won four straight
games, the last three after regulation.

"Three overtimes in a row," Garnett said. "Not really what we
want, but we'll take it any way we can get it. We're playing
well. Not to our full potential, but we're winning games right
now with out defense and that's good."

"We have a lot of confidence right now," Timberwolves rookie
Randy Foye added. "It's a new year and we said that we were
going to make a turn around for the new year and try a stay
consistent and try to do our roles and not blame anybody else
for the bad stuff that happens."

Garnett shot 11-of-24 from the field and his two free throws in
overtime gave Minnesota a 95-92 lead with 2:05 left in overtime.
Blount's layup put the Timberwolves up by five and Mike James'
driving layup extended the lead to 99-92.

Hassell and James each hit two free throws to ice the game for
the Wolves, who have won five straight at home.

"Mike James has been a jewel to coach," Timberwolves coach Dwane
Casey said. "He's a leader. He's strong-minded and tough."

Garnett recorded his 28th double-double of the season and James
scored 12 points and handed out 10 assists for Minnesota, which
shot 41 percent (32-of-79).

"It's difficult playing against Garnett, especially with a guy
who is 7 feet, and is as athletic as he is and has long arms,"
Rockets guard Tracy McGrady said. "On my end, I just tried to
take it to the basket more and move quicker."

McGrady scored 31 points, his fifth straight 30-plus point
effort, and had six rebounds for the Rockets, whose five-game
winning streak fell by the wayside.

"On my end, I just tried to take it to the basket more and move
quicker," McGrady said.

"Hassell made McGrady work for each point," Casey said.
"McGrady is one of the most difficult people to guard, along
with Kobe (Bryant), because they get up so high on their shot."